Cut to St James’ Hospital budget unjustifiable – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South Central Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described the cut of €9 million from St James’ Hospital budget as unjustifiable and illogical.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh was also critical of the cuts to the children’s hospitals citing a recent baby boom which will put further pressure on these hospitals.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh said;

“The cut to St James’ Hospital, the busiest hospital in the state, is completely unjustifiable and makes a lie of Minister James Reilly’s commitment that money will follow the patients. This cut comes on top of other cuts in previous years.

“The cut to the children’s hospitals is also reprehensible and illogical as these hospitals will be under further pressure in the coming years as a result of the recent baby boom.

“Sinn Féin has continually stressed the need for the existing children’s hospitals to be fully resourced and enhanced until such time as the National Children’s Hospital is built and operational.

“Minister Reilly must publish the HSE Regional Service Plans and the rationale for these cuts which will no doubt lead to hardship for staff and patients and possibly even deaths.”